Police have launched an internal investigation into allegations a man was beaten in the Christchurch Central police station cells so severely that he was off work for 11 weeks.
Self-employed fencing contractor Jason Brougham, 35, was arrested for wilful damage to a vehicle on the night of December 30 last year.
He alleges he left custody the next day with two broken ribs, a fractured eye socket, concussion and bruising, including a boot imprint on his forehead after being beaten by five officers over a 20-minute period while his hands were cuffed behind his back.
He told The Press the officers concerned explained that the injuries were sustained because he resisted their orders.
Inspector Rick Jury said a senior sergeant was investigating the incident.
"I can confirm there is an internal police investigation being conducted. But at this stage it's too early to make any determination about any outcome," Mr Jury said.
Brougham confirmed he had complained to the police about his treatment and also to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
The alleged beating, which took place in a cell without cameras, began after officers demanded he strip, he said.
Brougham, who had been drinking, said he refused and demanded he be allowed to call his lawyer and was told that if he did not strip, then they would do it for him.
He claimed he was then stripped, pinned to the floor, and beaten. After the beating he was moved into another cell and a cleaning crew was brought down to waterblast blood from the cell, he said.
Brougham said he was unable to work for 11 weeks due to the fractured ribs.
He did not want the officers to lose their jobs but said they needed to be held accountable.
